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OREM — Another Utah collegiate athletic department is signing with the Swoosh.
After 15 years being outfitted with an apparel affiliation with Adidas, Utah Valley University is officially a multi-year brand partner with Nike.
The deal, which was announced Wednesday by the university, makes the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel that reported revenue in excess of $46 billion for fiscal year 2022 the official outfitter of Wolverine athletics.
Terms of the deal were not immediately released, but multiple sources indicated to KSL.com that the initial contract with Nike and BSN Sports, a division of Varsity Brands which helped facilitate the deal, was agreed to a five-year, six-figure deal that also includes a "significant" signing bonus, according to one source.
The agreement also includes discounts on apparel and equipment through BSN and official Nike manufacturers from the company's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, and beyond.
"Our UVU Athletics program continues to reach new heights, and this partnership with Nike and BSN SPORTS is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff," UVU athletic director Jared Sumsion said in a statement. "We are thrilled to join forces with brands that embody excellence and innovation. This collaboration will not only elevate our athletic performance but also enhance our brand and community presence."
In addition to footwear and apparel, UVU says Nike and BSN Sports will provide the athletic department with "top-tier resources" including training and exercise equipment for use on campus.
The Wolverines first signed with Adidas in 2009, making the three-stripes the exclusive outfitter of the university's 16 NCAA Division I athletic programs, as well as the Utah Valley cheer, spirit and pep band, as well as other campus-wide and on-campus entities.
The university renewed the deal in mostly five-year increments, with most recent extension finalized in 2020 that expired June 30 to open the door for Nike beginning with new kits for the men's and women's soccer teams.
In signing with Nike, Utah Valley becomes the fourth Division I college in Utah to add the Swoosh and joins BYU, Utah State and Utah Tech (Weber State and Southern Utah are Adidas schools, and the University of Utah has partnered with Under Armour in some capacity since 2007 after most recently signing an extension in 2017 through 2027).
